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Buggeee
Samba Member
Joined: December 22, 2016
Posts: 4948
Location: Stuck in Ohio
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DesignBuild
Samba Member
Joined: September 29, 2016
Posts: 401
Location: HOUSTON, TEXAS
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 Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2021 9:40 pm Post subject: Re: Resurrection thread for my 1970 VW |
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Cusser:
North America had two different tail light housings. My 1972 Super from Germany has the same size as the US 1968 tail lights; both the metal portion and the actual lens.
Last year I stopped at Bugaholics in Pasadena, TX and Henry pulled out the tail light housings and lens from the US models and it is significantly larger than the tail light housing and lens on my car. He also had a 1968 body and it is the same size with the same weld bolts as the ones on my car. That also explains why some have smaller retainer rings than the later ones or pre-1973. |
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Cusser
Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 33225
Location: Hot Arizona
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| Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2021 2:51 pm Post subject: Re: Resurrection thread for my 1970 VW |
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I replaced a factory driver side inner tie rod end on my 1970, only had 261,331 miles on the odometer (but the speedometer/odometer was broken for a while). Original had the factory VW stamping; replacement was through Autozone, made in Belgium and lifetime warrantied. Then I adjusted the toe-in.
Also, I'd used two hose clamps to support the end of my quiet muffler, and the clamps broke. So I bent a U-bolt to fit and used that.
_________________
1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
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Cusser
Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 33225
Location: Hot Arizona
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| Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2022 2:45 pm Post subject: Re: Resurrection thread for my 1970 VW |
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Well I bought a $15.50 (shipped) replacement fuel tank sender for my 1970 through Amazon after I found out a VDO unit would run about $75, figured I could return it if bad. I figured everything chinese isn't bad, like the take-out place 1/2 mile from me has world's best Won Ton soup.
So I installed that, seems to work fine so far.....
_________________
1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
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scrivyscriv
Samba Electrician
Joined: October 04, 2011
Posts: 3349
Location: Memphis
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| Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2023 8:00 pm Post subject: Re: Resurrection thread for my 1970 VW |
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We need to know some updates on how enjoyable this car has been. C'mon! 
_________________
Robert in Memphis
Dünkelgrügen 1967 Java Green bug thread
Engine rebuild thread
If you're ever in the Memphis area, you are welcome to stop by for advice and help. |
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Cusser
Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 33225
Location: Hot Arizona
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| Posted: Sat Oct 12, 2024 11:21 am Post subject: Re: Resurrection thread for my 1970 VW |
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| scrivyscriv wrote: |
| We need to know some updates on how enjoyable this car has been. C'mon! |
For the past 3 months or more Mrs. Cusser has been using my 1970 VW for dragging the horse arena, and let's just say that she is not the best driver of manual transmissions, even though she has done so for decades. For example, she had a brand-new 1982 Firebird, and was on her 3rd clutch in 3 years by 1985, and GM just couldn't understand it. She was also driving my 1988 Mazda truck when its clutch began slipping, and same on my 1998 Frontier (I really don't let her drive my 2004 Frontier).
Here's a picture from spring when there were a few tumbleweeds in the arena.
Anyway, Mrs. Cusser seems to neglect to tell me how any vehicle is running, seems to think I should hear about the dog of the daughter of a friend of hers who I have never heard of. Anyway, yesterday I drove the 1970 five miles into town to run some errands, and it was running horrible, stalling, bad idle, poor acceleration, etc., felt I was fortunate to get home.
Yesterday I adjusted the points and ignition timing, that helped a little. So I let it sit to cool off overnight and today I adjusted the valves (a couple were tight, maybe 6 were loose), and proceeded to clean the spark plugs. Well, I found that the spark plug wire had come off #3, how this happened I have no idea....
Guess what - it runs way better now !!!
_________________
1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
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67rustavenger
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015
Posts: 11272
Location: Oregon
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| Posted: Sat Oct 12, 2024 12:26 pm Post subject: Re: Resurrection thread for my 1970 VW |
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This couldn't have had anything to do with the sparkplug wire being off the plug, could it?  
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!
There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!
2003 Astrovan? GFYS again, Xevin! 
Don't let your bad ideas remain, ideas! |
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Cusser
Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 33225
Location: Hot Arizona
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| Posted: Sat Oct 12, 2024 1:42 pm Post subject: Re: Resurrection thread for my 1970 VW |
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| 67rustavenger wrote: |
This couldn't have had anything to do with the sparkplug wire being off the plug, could it?
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One never knows !!!
Remember, first time Mrs. Cusser ever drove this VW was in 1986 on a trip from Arizona to California; she took over driving about 4 hours in, and 15 minutes later the engine case cracked in the front and the cam plug came out and lost all oil pressure and oil. Most likely the engine case developed a crack over time from the way it was machined back then for 92mm cylinders (they didn't do a step bore back then) just happened to give way while she was driving, not her fault.
It WAS her fault when she was driving my 1971 VW Convertible in 2003 and an oil strainer plate stud vibrated loose and the oil all drained out; she IGNORED the red warning light AND the oil pressure gauge it had, and kept driving like 4 miles until it overheated and stalled out, said she was scared being night and my oldest daughter with her.
So, anyway - I don't think that log had anything to do with this, and with dragging that heavy harrow don't think she would even be aware that the VW might've had low power for months. I did change its oil and filter a few months ago, and I didn't notice any loss of power, etc. then, but only drove it from the pasture to the garage.
_________________
1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
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Cusser
Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 33225
Location: Hot Arizona
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| Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2024 3:50 pm Post subject: Re: Resurrection thread for my 1970 VW |
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I brought my dwell/tach up from Phoenix to adjust the points/dwell on the 1970 VW, but too cold/windy/hail today to do that. When I went out to see if I had a brand-new set of points in its trunk - just in case - I noticed that my brake reservoir is empty - ALWAYS SOMETHING !!! I'd just driven it into town last Saturday and on a drive last Sunday, and didn't notice any issues with the brakes.
The master cylinder, all four wheel cylinders, the four flexible brake lines, and the two brake fluid fill hoses to the master cylinder were all new back in 2017. Will take a look-see tomorrow if weather is better (not likely). But always something !!
_________________
1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
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Cusser
Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 33225
Location: Hot Arizona
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| Posted: Sat Oct 19, 2024 10:23 am Post subject: Re: Resurrection thread for my 1970 VW |
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Sunny but cold today, about 45F at 9am, but I moved the VW into the garage and took a look. Apparently the short blue brake hose to the front plastic elbow on the master cylinder was leaking, and practically fell off in my hand when I touched it. Maybe I didn't get it over the plastic hose barb on that elbow enough, or it vibrated loose. The ends of the blue hose looked cracked too, guess they don't make that stuff very good any more, was only 7.5 years old.
Anyway, I did not have any of that blue brake hose up here, so I just cut away the damaged part and (somewhat difficult/awkward) got the hose over the plastic barb enough, and this time I added hose clamps. I didn't do anything to the short hose for the rear side of the master cylinder. I also did not see any evidence of the master cylinder leaking at its rear, or at the wheel cylinders. So maybe this will do for now; I'll bring some blue hose up from Phx or buy some new to have around.
I may also have had a tad of leakage from the rear line fitting, only evident after I had cleaned up the MC with brake cleaner, so I tightened that up a tiny tad too. Or that leak could've come from the front brake hose just above it....
Checked the dwell, since I adjusted the points last week, read 52 degrees, so I decided not to monkey with that.
_________________
1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297
Last edited by Cusser on Sat Oct 19, 2024 1:42 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Frodge
Samba Member
Joined: October 04, 2006
Posts: 2063
Location: Dump
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| Posted: Sat Oct 19, 2024 11:00 am Post subject: Re: Resurrection thread for my 1970 VW |
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| I wasn't satisfied with the blue hose I purchased from cip1 in April. The braided part shreds very easily and pushes away from the hose on iinstallation even with pre lubing it. The old hose didn't do that when I took it off. |
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Cusser
Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 33225
Location: Hot Arizona
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| Posted: Sat Oct 19, 2024 1:33 pm Post subject: Re: Resurrection thread for my 1970 VW |
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| Frodge wrote: |
| I wasn't satisfied with the blue hose I purchased from cip1 in April. The braided part shreds very easily and pushes away from the hose on iinstallation even with pre lubing it. The old hose didn't do that when I took it off. |
My fuel hose actually came from Wolfsburg West back in 2016/2017: 5MM ID FUEL HOSE. CLOTH COVERED; was $3 per foot then.
_________________
1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
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Cusser
Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 33225
Location: Hot Arizona
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| Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2025 12:04 pm Post subject: Re: Resurrection thread for my 1970 VW |
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Well, nothing lasts forever. I broke the SWF made-in-Germany turn signal switch I installed in Oct. 1989 today. What happened was that Mrs. Cusser could not get the ignition key to turn - this was not a steering wheel locking issue. So my plan was to pull out the ignition tumbler and clean/lube that up. My old Clymer manual I had here with me was missing pp. 121-152 so I was working from memory.
I took off the steering wheel, and to access the two screws under it that secure the metal "shield" over the ignition tumbler, I took out the 4 small turn signal screws. So I tried to pull the TS switch rearward, and even though I was being gentle, there was very little slack in the wires and the turn signal switch came apart on its right-hand side and 2 brass contacts, 2 small springs, and a steel ball fell out.
Anyway, I did get the ignition tumbler and steering lock working fine, using aerosol silicone lube. But I have no turn signals. Considering that most of this VW's driving is done in the backyard horse arena, I'm leaning towards this inexpensive replacement https://www.partsgeek.com/8m3xqkv-volkswagen-beetl...oUQAvD_BwE
even though I know many folks feel the inexpensive replacements are crap. But this has all 8 certified reviews as 5-star.
So as of now Mrs. Cusser can still use it in the horse arena, and I could drive in daytime using hand signals if need be.
_________________
1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
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67rustavenger
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015
Posts: 11272
Location: Oregon
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| Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2025 12:39 pm Post subject: Re: Resurrection thread for my 1970 VW |
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| Quote: |
| So as of now Mrs. Cusser can still use it in the horse arena, and I could drive in daytime using hand signals if need be. |
With the way people drive these days, no turn signals and the like.
I wouldn't worry about using the hand signals, too much!
Since the car is primarily used as a corral dragger.
Order the partsgeek replacement and forget about what everyone else thinks of your choice of parts supplier.
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!
There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!
2003 Astrovan? GFYS again, Xevin!
Don't let your bad ideas remain, ideas! |
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OldSchoolVW's 
Samba Member
Joined: July 03, 2020
Posts: 1499
Location: San Diego
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| Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2025 1:16 pm Post subject: Re: Resurrection thread for my 1970 VW |
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With the exception of NOS, the expensive one's are no better than the inexpensive ones. Got mine from WW for a lot more than the partsgeek one. Worked okay for about a month or so. No amount of tweaking improved it, so now I just turn it off when I'm done using it ... part of my normal driving habits now, no big deal. Life's too short to spend time installing yet another inferior switch. Do like rustavenger says and get the partsgeek one.
_________________
Tom
"Following distance is proportional to IQ."
"It's okay to think."
"If you don't do it this year, you'll be one year older when you do." Warren Miller
'63 Beetle Sedan
'69 Beetle Sunroof
'70 Beetle Sedan
'73 Type 3 Fastback |
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Cusser
Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 33225
Location: Hot Arizona
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| Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2025 3:15 pm Post subject: Re: Resurrection thread for my 1970 VW |
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| OldSchoolVW's wrote: |
| Do like rustavenger says and get the partsgeek one. |
Will do.
And I'll update/review it once it arrives and I install it.
_________________
1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
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baldessariclan
Samba Member
Joined: October 14, 2016
Posts: 2115
Location: Wichita, KS
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| Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2025 9:19 am Post subject: Re: Resurrection thread for my 1970 VW |
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I think the main issue with most of those aftermarket turn signal switches is that they eventually fail to cancel after a turn (or sometimes wont cancel right out of the box). If you're ok w/ manually cancelling the signal after turns, then may not be such a bad option - ?
The other alternative to consider is sourcing a good used original German switch -- these can be found here and there at VW junkyards / used parts vendors (e.g. https://www.bugcity.com/shop/shop.lasso?pquery=turn+signal+switch+used ). Likely more pricey than the aftermarket offerings, but also a better chance that they will function correctly and last longer.
All depends on what you want, and are willing to put up with...
_________________
1971 Standard Beetle — fairly stock / driver
baldessariclan -- often in error, never in doubt... |
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OldSchoolVW's
Samba Member
Joined: July 03, 2020
Posts: 1499
Location: San Diego
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| Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2025 11:02 am Post subject: Re: Resurrection thread for my 1970 VW |
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| baldessariclan wrote: |
I think the main issue with most of those aftermarket turn signal switches is that they eventually fail to cancel after a turn (or sometimes wont cancel right out of the box). If you're ok w/ manually cancelling the signal after turns, then may not be such a bad option - ?
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Here's a modification posted recently in another discussion. I'd assume the new TS switch is going to have self cancelling issues and do this modification before installing.
| mondshine wrote: |
Here is a workaround that made a shitworth aftermarket turn signal switch self cancel for me.
It's somewhat half-assed but it should suffice until I can find an original switch for a decent price.
This is a modification to the plastic cancelling ring (with the horn contact) which is screwed to the front of the steering wheel. The materials needed are a plastic tie wrap and some super glue (and "SG accelerator if you're impatient).
Just cut 2 pieces from the tie wrap about 1/2" long and super glue them to the outer edges of the cancelling tab
Like this:
Those extra little bumps on the cancelling tab are enough to trigger the nylon bits on the turn signal switch and cancel the turn signals. |
_________________
Tom
"Following distance is proportional to IQ."
"It's okay to think."
"If you don't do it this year, you'll be one year older when you do." Warren Miller
'63 Beetle Sedan
'69 Beetle Sunroof
'70 Beetle Sedan
'73 Type 3 Fastback |
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Cusser
Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 33225
Location: Hot Arizona
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| Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2025 11:51 am Post subject: Re: Resurrection thread for my 1970 VW |
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Got the new turn signal switch installed today, it works: turn signals and flasher both.
Yes, some of the wires were different colors than on the old German SWF, but not too difficult of an install. I did NOT use butt connectors, crimped on female butt connectors and connected to original male tabs/connectors.
_________________
1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
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Cusser
Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 33225
Location: Hot Arizona
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| Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 10:25 am Post subject: Re: Resurrection thread for my 1970 VW |
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We use my 1970 VW sedan primarily for dragging the horse arena; it's dusty, but mainly rear of the VW. Today I did its yearly oil change service (STP 10W-40), new STP S16 oil filter (CB Maxi2 pump/filter), and service the stock type air cleaner.
I also stuffed some heat-resistant fiberglass tape into the crevice on left side of engine. That tin had been mangled by dealer-installed AC when VW was new, I bought it in 1972.
I also noticed that the big rubber stopper I had used to plug the hole in the rear tin had disappeared.
So I flattened a scrap piece of galvanized roof flashing I had, and cut a patch for that tin.
This VW is registered ($18 a year) and has classic insurance, so roadworthy.
_________________
1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
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